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Lancaster Grand Theatre

St Leonardgate, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1NL

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The Grand Theatre has been a major part of the social and cultural life of Lancaster since it opened in 1782. It is a key venue for amateur drama, music and dance and professional touring companies.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: box office, two coffee bars, theatre bar, theatre and performance space.
    • View information on opening times
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: theatre seating in the stalls and the toilet with adaptations via the performance entrance.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the stage, foyer, standard seating in the circle, all refreshment facilities and boxes.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow aisles.
    • The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed via stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located at the circle and foyer coffee bar.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: audio.
    • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: Accessibility, Safeguarding and Inclusion Training.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located in the stalls, next to the accessible performance entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located on the lower level in the front foyer and circle bar.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations, next to the accessible performance entrance.

Parking

  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located along St Leonard's Gate, to the side of the venue.
    • The name of the car park is Lower St Leonard's Gate Car Park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
    • This car park has two levels, the lower level has step free level access to the theatre.

Entrance (Box Office)

  • This entrance is located to the left side of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Ticketing (Box Office and Ticket Collection)

  • Ticket Counter View
    • The ticket counter surveyed is located ahead of the Box Office entrance doors.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
    • The height of the counter is 92cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has glazed screens.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Entrance (Ticket Collection and Performances)

  • This entrance is located at the centre of the theatre.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 162cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • These doors are staffed before performances for entrance and ticket collection.
  • There is stepped access as you enter.
  • There are 2 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • This entrance is step free only to collect pre-paid tickets when the Box Office entrance is closed. There are two steps however, to access the foyer and theatre for performances.

Entrance (Accessible Performance Entrance)

  • This entrance is located down the left side of the theatre.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with a handrail on the left going up.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 4 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 116cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • This entrance is the accessible entrance for performances and only gives access to the theatre seating area and toilet with adaptations.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located in the foyer.
  • The lower ground, ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Theatre

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Concessions are available.
    • Captioned performances are not available.
    • Signed performances are not available.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are not available.
    • Sensory friendly performances are not available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has slight ramps or slopes, a steep ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • The following rows have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the standard seating in the auditorium.
    • The following rows have stepped access: the stage, foyer, standard seating in the circle, all refreshment facilities and boxes.
    • Seating available includes: flip-down seats with armrests.

Designated Seating (Wheelchair users, carers and guests with access needs)

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located next to the accessible performance entrance.
  • The distance from the accessible performance entrance is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free access via slope to the designated seating.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • The designated seating area is clearly signed.
  • There are 3 designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
  • The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
  • The seating is fixed.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
  • Booking for designated seating for wheelchair users and carers must be done through the Box Office.There is a maximum of 3 wheelchair seating spaces and 3 companion/carer spaces available.

Eating and Drinking (Foyer Refreshments)

  • Location and Service View
    • The bar is located on the right side of the front foyer.
    • The most accessible route has steps and doors permanently held open.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are available on a board.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The Foyer refreshment area sells drinks and snacks.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right side of the room.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 109cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event .
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking (Theatre Bar)

  • Location and Service View
    • The Theatre Bar is on the mezzanine level.
    • The most accessible route has steps and doors permanently held open.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are displayed on the counter.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right side of the room.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 111cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has mirrors and patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event .
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Eating and Drinking (Circle Bar/Refreshments)

  • Location and Service View
    • The Circle Bar/Refreshments is on the first floor, near the entrance to the Circle seating.
    • The most accessible route has steps, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are displayed on the counter.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the right side.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 109cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located next to the accessible performance entrance.
    • The distance from the accessible performance entrance is 1m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens by sliding and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • The door has a hook lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 198cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 77cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a push tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 73cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 94cm.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.